Mapper Improvements - import survey area limits from KMZ
Hi,
We purchased a Mapper license in order to create ortho-mosaic photos of areas as well as elevation maps.
The Mapper needs a very basic improvement - allowing import of KMZ line files to create a reference/border of the area where a drone should fly.
In most part of Canada (especially North), the sitellite images are outdated and ofter 10+ years old, therefore relying on Droneline background satellite images is not an option.
We've tried to import a KMZ file with property boreders into the map to see where to draw the map plan. However, it was not possible uder the Mapper license due to "Line" module not available uder the licence.
Therefore, technically the mapper licence is only good for areas where the setellite images are good and up to date. However, even then if we want to fly a map over forest or agricultural land - it's close to impossible to perfectly estimate the property borders.
If doing the map area estimates by had without an imported kmz file - the flight might be unnecesseraly big - exceeeding the property borders, or too small - not covering the whole area.
It seems that importing KMZ lines to show where to map the map zone is a really basic and necessary feature. I and others asked for this feauture:
2) https://support.dronelink.com/hc/en-us/community/posts/360049276994-Manage-large-areas-missions
The KMZ line import worked when I tried was under the evaluation licence. But when we purchased the mapper licence expecting that it was possible (seemed intuitive to have it), we were not able to fly a drone due to the new limitations and no alternative for the mapper licence.
Do you think if this is on your schedule to implement any time soon. The lack of the above fauture renders the mapper useless for many customers.
Thank you.
Comments
7 comments
Hi,
I was just wondering if there are any updates on a possibility to import KMZ files to show boundaries of land for the flight planning.
This is for the Mapper subscription.
Thank you,
Vitaly
I think what you are asking for is the ability to just overlay a kml file in the mission planner for reference during planning?
As a work-around, can you just import it as a Map and then plan another map on top of it, and then delete the first map when you are done?
Yes, just an overlay map that I could reference to.
You suggestion works in other Dronelink plans, but not in the Mapper plan.
In the Mapper plan, it is impossible to import a kmz file, because: 1) Dronelink only allows importing perimeters of polygons (lines); and 2) the Mapper plan does not allow importing line kmz, because "Line" component is restricted under the mapper plan.
As a result, I cannot work around the issue in the Mapper plan.
Can you show me an example KML file you are working with?
Here is a demo file. It's just a random place on a map.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zSUkqSjx2takg7NU1Ga6jk2XVPqqnpjN/view?usp=sharing
I created a polygon, converted it to lines, and them exported to a KMZ file.
When I try to import it - Dronelink complains that the file is not valid for import. I've also tried to import a KMZ file with points, and still unable to import. It's not clear what type of kmz file can be succesfully imported.
However, when I tried a different Dronelink plan - now called Elite - I remember I could import a KMZ file with lines under a Path component. However, under the Mapper plan - the line component is unavailable, hence no way to import a KMZ file.
It works for me if I just save the place:
I see. If I export a KMZ file via Google Earth like you showed, then that exported KMZ file can be imported in DroneLink.
I've tried to import other kmz file the same way, and all of them worked.
Thank you very much for your help.
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